Friday, January 22, 2010
Centre lifts ban on pre-paid mobiles
A notification from Department of Telecommunication (DoT) stated that services will be restored pending the formulation of a new system of verification and re-verification of identify and address of subscribers.
Sources said that decision to lift the ban was taken after centre finalised "foolproof" plan to ensure proper verification of nearly 38 lakh cell phone subscribers in the state.
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Labels: ban, customers, identify, Jammu and Kashmir, mobile services, prepaid mobiles, verfication
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Prime Minister, Sonia felicitate Omar on Eid-ul-Fitr
The Prime Minister, Dr. Man Mohan Singh and UPA, Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi in the separate telephone calls also extended Eid greetings to Union Minister for New and Renewal Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah and Dr.Farooq Abdullah offered Eid prayers at Dargah Hazratbal,
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Labels: cm omar abdullah, eid, eid greetings, eid prayers, eid ul fitr, Jammu and Kashmir, muslim eid, ramazan, sonia
Monday, September 14, 2009
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front protest in support of Majlis eMushawarat Shopian
Police arrested over a dozen leaders and activists of JKLF during a protest demonstration at Jehangir Chowk here. The demonstrators also lodged their protest against "the shielding of culprits of Shopian incident by the government."
The demonstration was also held to show solidarity with the people of Shopian particularly the Majlis-eMushawarat Shopian (MMS) in their struggle for justice.
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Labels: campaign for justice, coordination, culprits, demonstration, front, Jammu and Kashmir, justice, mms, murder incident, open, protest, struggle, support, victims
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Jammu and Kashmir for Crime Branch Investigation probe
The government decision was announced in the legislative assembly this afternoon by finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather. His announcement was preceded by uproarious scenes in the assembly by legislators of different parties including PDP.
Displaying the copies of Kashmir Times, which had carried a report about the alleged tampering of forensic evidence in the case in today's edition, the MLAs demanded a debate on the serious issue.
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Labels: cbi probe, high court, Jammu and Kashmir, jammu assembly, jammu crime branch, legislators, shoipan case cbi probe, shopian case
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Students boycott classes across Jammu, hold protests, rallies
To press for their demands, a rally was organised by the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in the border district of Samba wherein hundreds of local people and students of Samba Degree College staged protest seeking establishment of CU at Samba.
The protesters assembled at Maharaja Hari Singh Chowk and took out a rally raising slogans against the state government.
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Labels: boycott classes, boycott classes across jammu, jaamu students protest, Jammu and Kashmir, jammu degree colleges, jammu university campus, processions, protest rallies in jammu
Friday, July 3, 2009
Central forces to be relocated by July 31
The action plan also promises to sort out difficulties in cross-LoC trade by July 15 and to settle pending claims under Security Related Expenditures (SRE) by July 31. The Home Ministry will also review actions taken by the state government for implementation of Prime Minister’s package announced on April 25, 2008.
The package included
i) Return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants,
ii) One-time compensation of Rs. 5.00 lakh to the next of-kin of civilians killed in militancy related incidents in lieu of compassionate appointment,
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Labels: 100 day action plan, action plan, central forces, deployment, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmiri migrants, LoC trade, migrants, package, public premises, relocate
Monday, April 6, 2009
1.34 lakh more voters for Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir
According to J&K chief electoral officer, B R Sharma, around 1, 34,766 new voters have been enrolled in the coming LS polls. “With the addition of as many as 1.34 lakh more voters in the coming LS polls in J&K, more voters have become eligible to exercise their vote this time around than it was in 2004,” Sharma said.
The LS polls in the state will be held in five phases starting from April 16 and May 13.
As many as 65,11,638 voters are eligible to vote in Jammu and Kashmir during this Lok Sabha polls, the officials of electoral department said, adding that in 2004 LS polls, as many as 63,72,116 voters were registered.
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Labels: electoral size for the polls, Jammu and Kashmir, Lok Sabha elections, ls polls in five phases, new voters, voters
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Reliance launches Global System for Mobile inJammu and Kashmir
“The launch of Reliance mobile’s GSM services in J&K marks the completion of the company’s nationwide footprint, which already covers over one billion Indians in all other Indian states,” Regional hub head J&K, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh circles, Reliance communications Arvind Kumar told a jampacked press conference at Royal Retreat Hall, Hari Niwas Palace here this afternoon. “The subscribers in J&K can now experience best in class telephony services at the most friendly price points including local calling and SMS, STD, ISD, roaming and value added services, which are being used by millions of Indians across the length and breadth of the country.”
The company also launched a first-of-its-kind customer experience programme (CEP) for customers choosing Reliance mobile GSM services, a unique plan which offers GSM SIM card just for Rs 49 and 100 per cent savings to sub Rs 150 average revenue per user (ARPU) mobile customers in the state of J&K at a one-time subscription charge of Rs 51.
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Labels: CDMA services, GSM, GSM services, GSM SIM card, Jammu and Kashmir, Reliance communications, Reliance launches GSM, Reliance mobile, subscription charge
Monday, November 24, 2008
65 percent polling for 6 seats in Rajouri, Ganderbal
While briefing the media here this evening after the conclusion of second phase of polling, Sharma said the voting percentage was more than the figures recorded in the 2002 assembly elections in these constituencies.
Chief Electoral Officer stated that the voting percentage in Kangan constituency was around 61 percent, while this figure was 44.33 percent in Ganderbal, 70 percent in Nowshera, 67 percent in Rajouri 67 and 73 percent each in Kalakote and Darhal constituencies. Stating that these were tentative figure and the final figures will be worked out after actual details are received from all the presiding officers of the polling stations, the CEO said this may further increase the poll percentage.
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Labels: 65 percent voting was recorded, assembly constituencies of Ganderbal and Rajouri districts, Jammu and Kashmir, Kalakote and Darhal constituencies, poll percentage, second phase of assembly elections
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
55 percent voter turnout claimed in frist phase polls
Over all voting percentage in the state was recorded more than 55, deputy election commissioner of India R. Bhattacharya told reporters in Delhi. He said that Election Commission of India was ’still collating the data and the figures can go up’ adding that polling in the troubled state was by and large peaceful barring minor skirmishes.
In Srinagar, Chief electoral officer B.R. Sharma said 74 percent of voters polled in Gurez, 44 percent in Bandipora, 42 percent in Sonawari - the three constituencies of Kashmir Valley, where separatists had appealed for a poll boycott.
Speaking to reporters after the polling, which began at 8 AM and closed at 4 PM, Sharma said in Jammu region, Mendhar reported a turnout of 67 percent, Poonch Haveli 64 and Surankote 58. In the cold desert of Ladakh, where temperatures dipped below zero degrees Celsius, 48 percent of voters in Zanskar turned out, 57 percent in Kargil, 55 percent in Nobra and 53 in Leh, he said.
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Labels: Bandipora, Delhi, Election Commission of India, frist phase polls, Jammu and Kashmir, poll boycott, Sonawari, three constituencies of Kashmir Valley, voters polled in Gurez, voting percentage
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
India, Pakistan clash on Kashmir in United Nations
The people of the state, India emphasised, have already exercised the right by participating repeatedly in free and fair elections and raking up of the issue by Pakistan was “unwarranted”.
“The right to self-determination cannot become an instrument to promote subversion and erode political cohesion or territorial integrity” of a state, India’s delegate Rajeev Shukla told the UN General Assembly’s Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee yesterday.
Exercising the right of reply, he also rejected Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Hussain Haroon’s allegations of “suppression” of the people of state, saying Islamabad would have been better served by avoiding making comments about an integral part of India.
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Labels: country’s internal affairs, india, Islamabad, Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi, pakistan, Pakistan clashed, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Hussain Haroon, United Nations, United Nations committee
Monday, October 20, 2008
Suspense over: 7-phased poll for Jammu and Kashmir begins on November 17
Nearly two-and half month long election process begins on October 24 with the issuance of notification for the first phase of polls and ends on December 31 with the constitution of the new Assembly.
The polling will take place on November 17, 23 and 30 and December 7, 13, 17 and 24.
Altogether 65,38,111 voters are on the electoral rolls for participation in the election for 87 constituencies, seven of which are reserved for scheduled castes. The polling will be conducted at altogether 8109 polling booths.
Admitting disagreement within the EC on deciding the poll dates, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami, flanked by two Commissioners S.Y.Qureshi and Naveen Chawla, said the major consideration was the participation of political parties in the polls.
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Labels: begins, constituencies, EC, electoral rolls, Jammu and Kashmir, phased poll, political parties, poll dates
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Jammu and Kashmir polls on hold
Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami, however, spoke as if the J&K polls were still possible soon as he claimed no decision had been taken “at the moment” and the Election Commission was still assessing the situation.
The decision to defer polls in Jammu and Kashmir that is under the Governor’s rule since July suits all three main political parties in the state — Congress, National Conference and People’s Democratic Party — to gain time to weaken the current sway of the Separatists in the valley.
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Labels: assembly elections, BJP, congress, decision, Election Commission, Jammu and Kashmir, Lok Sabha elections, PDP, political parties, polls
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Suspense continues on Jammu and Kashmir elections
“Wait for another day” was all that the Election Commission officials were able to say when asked about the dates for the assembly elections in half a dozen states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
After returning from Srinagar last week, the full bench held a meeting on Friday and Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami again called his two Election Commissioner colleagues to his residence Saturday evening to thrash out differences over the J&K elections and wanted the office opened on Sunday, but without any announcement.
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Labels: assembly elections, BJP, continues, Election Commission, elections, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, polling, Rajasthan, Rajya Sabha seats, schedule, suspense
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Prime Minister to inaugurate Baglihar project, Kashmir’s first train on Oct 10
Dr. Singh’s visit was arranged to circumvent election code of conduct that will be enforced soon after the announcement. He will be accompained by Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav, Union Water Resources Minister Prof. Saifuddin Soz and former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Elaborate security arrangements are put in place for his visit as a team of elite Special Operations Group (SPG) and other security agencies have already reached Srinagar on Tuesday along with a plane full of security paraphernalia.
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Labels: assembly elections, Baglihar power project, Election Commission, inauguration, Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmir’s first train, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Qazigund, security, Valley
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Most corrupt states: Jammu anad Kashmir at No: 3
This less than nominal change in the dubious order is known to be more because of the higher qualification of Assam than an improvement in the standard of administration and public life in Jammu and Kashmir. These facts brought out by Transparency International India and the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) Delhi in the India Corruption Study 2007 make a mockery of the erstwhile coalition government’s claim of having cleansed public life from the menace of corruption in the state.
Interestingly, this is one of the frequent theme songs of former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and patron of People’s Democratic Party Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. Jammu and Kashmir achieved the dubious distinction of being 2nd most corrupt state in the country in a similar study conducted by the same agency in the year 2005.
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Labels: Bihar, CMS, corrupt states, distinction, india, Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, PPP
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Saudi government decision disappoints intending Hajj pilgrims
Thousands of intending Hajj pilgrims, whose names did not figure in the list after the draw of lots was conducted recently, have been highly disappointed after Saudi government outrightly declined the requests of Central Hajj Committee (CHC) of India to increase the Hajj quota for the J & K.
Pertinently, Saudi government has turned down the requests of all those countries who were seeking a chance of quota enhancements for their respective intending Hajj pilgrims. This has finally dispelled the long drawn confusion among thousands of left out Hajj pilgrims of Jammu and Kashmir, regarding the quota enhancement for the state.
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Labels: Central Hajj Committee, decision, disappoints, Hajj pilgrims, Hajj quota, Jammu and Kashmir, saudi arabia, Saudi government
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Election Commission in a bind over poll timing in Jammu and Kashmir
Sources said the three member Commission itself was divided when it sat down in the afternoon to review the party-wise interaction it carried out, with the majority preferring to defer the polls until the summer. Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami, who took the initiative to start the poll process by consulting the parties, was reported to be in minority to complete the polls before the 6-year term of the Assembly ends in November.
No final decision was, however, taken as the sources said the Commission would summon the Union Home Secretary and the State Chief Secretary as also the Defence Secretary after he returns from the U.S. to assess the ground situation.
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Labels: Abhinav Bindra, Election Commission, elections, interaction, Jammu and Kashmir, minority, poll process
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Kashmir strike One killed, 20 injured
Normal life was paralysed across Valley today in view of a separatist sponsored general strike for showing solidarity with Jammu Muslims. The strike call was given by Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and was supported by other separatist groups including Hurriyat (M).
People took to streets at Maisuma and held protest demonstrations. The demonstrators were protesting against the BJP and RSS for their alleged atrocities against Muslims in Jammu.
The youth were heading towards the Clock Tower at Lal Chowk, but a police contingent of police station Maisuma stopped them. The youth in turn pelted stones on police, who burst smoke shells, fired rubber bullets and resorted to lathi-charge.
A teargas shell hit Asif in his abdomen and he was rushed to the hospital in a police vehicle, where doctors declared him brought dead. As the news of death of Asif spread, people including women in hundreds assembled in Maisuma and chanted anti-government slogans. The protesters were joined by separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Yasin Malik and Nayeem Khan.
The body of Asif was taken to Dalgate with a procession of hundreds of people and was laid to rest. At least two policemen and four civilians were injured when police tried to stop the procession in Badshah Chowk. The people in the procession pelted stones on police. During the march, the protesters were chanting slogans against the BJP and RSS. The protesters damaged the traffic booths on Moulana Azad Road up to Dalgate and Polo View. In Regal Chowk, the traffic booth was set on fire by the protesters.
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Labels: BJP, Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir, protesters, strike
Friday, July 18, 2008
Majority want Jammu and Kashmir people to decide fate
People in both nations have also shown a readiness to have the Kashmiri people decide their fate. If a majority of all Kashmiris were to choose independence, a majority of Indians and Pakistanis would find such independence at least tolerable, said the poll. In India the opinion poll was conducted by a reputed agency C-Voter, while in Pakistan A. C. Nelson gathered views on behalf of the WorldPublicOpinion.org poll.
It reveals that half or more of Indian and Pakistani population is open to a range of possible outcomes for Kashmir. On neither side is there strong majority opposition to Kashmir becoming an independent country or dividing Kashmir between Pakistan and India.
”Given the deep roots of the conflict over Kashmir, it is surprising that the conflict does not muster clearly polarised majorities in Pakistan and India, falling in line behind their governments’ positions,” comments Clay Ramsay, research director of WorldPublicOpinion.org, a project run by the University of Maryland, United States.
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Labels: C-Voter, decide, fate, india, Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmir issue, Kashmiri people, majority, pakistan, population, public opinion, United States, University of Maryland
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Malik threatens hunger strike
"It is a litmus test for Jammuites to either stand by us or get carried away by the communal propaganda spread by forces who are hell-bent to destroy our secular ethos," Malik said. The JKLF chairman said that the Front supports the joint committee of trade union leaders, lawyers, representatives of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), traders association, transporters and prominent members of the civil society against land transfer.
Malik said that if the agitation launched by the committee failed to deliver, he would go far fast unto death. Malik is scheduled to visit Delhi in a few days to discuss the land transfer issue with civil society, intellectuals and policy makers.
Taking a dig at general secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Praveen Togadia's remarks about Kashmir, Malik said that Togadia and Bal Thackrey are ‘cowards'. "They address media persons in bolted rooms. They should keep in mind that Kashmiris have sacrificed their lives and cannot be derailed from their cause by mere bullying," Malik said.
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Labels: Delhi, hunger strike, Jammu and Kashmir, jklf, KCCI, media, Mohammad Yasin Malik, SASB, threatened, Vishwa Hindu Parishad
Monday, June 23, 2008
Art Of Denial Perspective
In Jammu and Kashmir, it doesn't take the Talibans who axed the great Bamiyan Buddha sculptures, to subject art and culture to sheer vandalism and neglect. The bureaucratic mindset and political apathy coupled with a culture of kickbacks and commissions is enough to ensure that all art forms are reduced to dust and all artists destined to doom.At least, one case is an indication of the neglect of art. The reluctance of the state government, despite the inter est evinced by the chief minister, in ensuring that an artistic marvel created recently by an artisan of the Valley is retained in the state, has robbed Jammu and Kashmir of the grandeur of ‘The Lonely Tree' which may soon finds its place in a museum in New York.
The Lonely Tree is a master-piece in walnut wood, a replica of the artist's childhood memory of a Quince apple tree, which has become extinct. The entire tree with the branches, leaves, apples, birds and butterflies took no less than three years to complete. (The name ‘Lonely Tree' was given to it by Aijaz Rashid who has made a 14-minute documentary on the artist-cum master craftsman and his apple tree). The tree is carved out from a single piece of walnut tree trunk.
For its creator Khazir Mohd Qasba, who plays like a genius with his memory of an apple tree at Telbal in such minute detail, this was no ordinary task. He spent many a sleepless night. Besides, severe economic crunch forced him to abandon his dream project several times.
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Labels: art, Bamiyan Buddha sculptures, creator Khazir Mohd Qasba, denial perspective, Jammu and Kashmir, Lonely Tree, Museum, New York, Quince apple tree, Talibans
Friday, June 20, 2008
Why Abdullah preferred Kashmir's accession to India?
Referring to the criticism against the decision of his grandfather, Sheikh Abdullah to accede to the Indian Union in 1947 rather than to Pakistan or opt for independence, he asks, "looking at the present state of Pakistan and accession of the state with it, how can the critics argue against that decision." About the option of independence, he says, "ask the Tibetans about how it is to survive as an independent country. Let us ask Afghanistan what it is like to be mountainous land locked country in the region with precious little natural wealth." He concludes, " it is all very well to dream and based those dreams on theoretical models. But we had a cold war, we had two blocks and two choices-India and Pakistan."
The critics have cited the case of a number of countries in the world which are land locked and independent, the entire debate on the subject is hypothetical. For Sheikh Abdullah and the people of Kashmir had absolutely no choice in 1947 but to accede to India.
It was a time when Maharaja of the state was aspiring for independence and he was supported by Hindu and Muslim leadership of Jammu region. He was also in touch with the government of Pakistan on the issue. It supported the right of the rulers of the princely states to decide the future of their states to join either of the two dominions or to remain independent.
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Labels: asset, blog, computer savvy, criticism, Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, pakistan, politician, views
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Life paralysed, talks deadlocked
Reports said that after the failure of their talks with the team of senior bureaucrats appointed by the government to hold parleys, the striking transporters decided to continue their strike. The transporters also decided to boycott the next round of meeting scheduled to be held tomorrow morning.
Talking to the Kashmir Times, Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association (JKTWA) T S Wazir informed, "There is no headway in the ongoing stalemate between state government officials and striking transporters. After the first round of talks, we were demanding 20 percent hike in passenger fares but the state government refused to concede our demand. Government is pressing for 11 to 12 percent hike in passenger fares which is not acceptable to us. Transporters have decided to continue their ongoing indefinite strike and they will boycott the next round of talks to be held tomorrow morning."
He further informed that the striking transporters will chalk out their future strategy tomorrow and if government does not concede their demand, they will extend their strike.
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Labels: boycott, Civil Secretariat, deadlocked, failure, hike, Jammu and Kashmir, JKTWA, Life paralysed, passeger fares, petrol prices, srinagar, strike, striking transporters, talks
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Sinha's last official engagement tomorrow
Sources said that a function being organised by the army in district Reasi on Thursday is likely to be Sinha's last appointment as the state governor in Jammu and Kashmir. "Governor's schedule remains uninterrupted and engagements continue untill the new governor assumes office," said an official of the Raj Bhawan.
It has also been learnt that a few days back on the sidelights of a party held after a golf match at Srinagar, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad along with former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah turned it almost into a farewell to the outgoing governor. An official who attended the party said that high profile dignitaries, who spoke on the occasion recalled his services and wished him good luck for his future.
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Labels: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jammu and Kashmir, N.N. Vohra, new Jammu and Kashmir Governor, official engagement tomorrow, Raj Bhawan, S.K. Sinha
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Kashmir: a call for new realism?
Since 2004, both the countries have undergone impressive changes in their bilateral relations as the Pakistani President made a comprehensive policy shift towards India by dismantling Jehadi networks as well as killing or arresting hundreds of Pakistani nationals who had links with various Jehadi groups. In addition, Pakistan signed an anti-terror pact with India that includes sharing information about terrorism. As a result, Pakistan's premier intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) that once sustained the Jehadi networks in Kashmir is sharing information with their Indian counter parts that has virtually wiped off the militant resistance in Jammu and Kashmir. During the last five months alone, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), the biggest Kashmiri resistance outfit, lost scores of its top ranking commanders in pin-point operations of the Indian Army and paramilitary operations. Ever since India Pakistan ‘peace process', Hizbul Mujahideen that was opposed to the exercise between the two countries has been the main target of both the countries. During the last four years, the HM has lost more than half of its operational cadre that threatens to ultimately wipe its whole resistance cadre.
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Labels: biggest Kashmiri resistance, india, Indian Army, ISI, Jammu and Kashmir, Jehad, nuclear flashpoint, pakistan, peace process, Pervez Musharraf
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Vohra to be new Jammu and Kashmir Governor
Vohra who is the Prime Minister's special envoy on Kashmir, had emerged as the front runner with supporters both within the Congress party and the top bureaucracy. In 2003, then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had appointed him as interlocutor for Kashmir to clear way for talks with separatist Hurriyat leadership. A year later when Congress party assumed office, Manmohan Singh government continued him as interlocutor rejecting his resignation.
As a member of the Indian Administrative Service (1959-94), he has served as Secretary Defence Production, Home Secretary and Defence Secretary. He was recalled to serve as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in 1997-98.
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Labels: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Jammu and Kashmir, Manmohan Singh, new Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Secretary Defence Production
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Displaced since 1991, 17 families from Keran raise their voice for rehabilitation
On December 8, 1990, the army asked the entire population of Bore village, located at LoC in Keran Sector of Kupwara to leave, owing to the reason that situation in Bore was not conducive for them.
Some of the residents migrated across the Line of Control, and 17 families are living a displaced life on this side. These families are scattered in Harie, Kralpora and in Kupwara since the time of their displacement.
The residents have approached the army through high court of Jammu and Kashmir to allow them to go back. The army has categorically refused them permission for return.
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Labels: Army, Bore Keran Kupwara, Bore village, Jammu and Kashmir, Line of Control, rehabilitation
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Development process governed by justice not political considerations: Azad
Addressing the Bandipora District Development Board meeting here today, Mr. Azad said that he was the first Chief Minister of the State in 60 years who had worked above political considerations in so far as development matters were concerned. He said he did not resort to political considerations even in his own constituency where he did not interfere with the development activities.
"The leaders of opposition parties also sit with me in public meetings and actively participate in identifying and implementation of development projects", he said, adding they were taken on board on these issues.
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Labels: Bandipora District Development Board, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, development activities, electoral considerations, government, Jammu and Kashmir, meetings, opposition parties, participate
Saturday, May 3, 2008
University Grants Commission to fully fund 4 new colleges in Jammu and Kashmir
Out of the total estimate 50 percent would be released during the current financial years. Secretary UGC R. K Chouhan said that the guidelines of the Eleventh Five Year plan lays major thrust on widening the accessibility of higher education opportunities. Under this plan, he said there is a proposal of opening 30 universities throughout the country. Keeping in view the border location of the state of Jammu and Kashmir one such university has been granted to it, which will ensure that the benefits of higher education reach the weaker and minority sections of the society. He stressed for clubbing the different schemes at micro level to a single major scheme so that bottlenecks are removed in one go and work can start on the scheme at the earliest. He said that in the present age of globalization and privatization the thrust of higher education has shifted to quality education and job oriented course.
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Labels: higher education, Jammu and Kashmir, job oriented course, minority, New Colleges, R. K Chouhan, UGC
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Prime Minister's visit: Security beefed up in Jammu
Official sources said that more than fifty NSG commandos, including some top ranked officers, arrived in Jammu on Tuesday to take over the security of venues, where Dr Manmohan Singh is scheduled to visit during his two days visit commencing from Friday.
They said that the NSG team comprised of one Inspector General (IG), two Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), three SSPs and commandos.
The NSG team after arrival in Jammu was distributed in four teams and three of them were sent to Akhnoor, Kishtwar and Katra. "The security around Akhnoor Bridge and Power House in Kishtwar have to be handed over to NSG today", sources said.
They said that three tire security arrangements has to be put in place for the Prime Minister and inner most ring will be manned by NSG.
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Labels: arrangements, commandos, jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, Manmohan Singh, National Security Guard, PM's visit, security team
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Rentals hiked for land occupied by Army
A Defence Ministry spokesman here said the increase would be in the range of 2.1 to 5 times for various categories including orchards and agriculture land.
The rates have been revised following recommendations of an expert panel which submitted its report on July 12, 2007 calling for "realistic rents and compensation."
The revised rate structure will come into effect retrospectively from February 16, 2008 and will remain in force for five years till February 15, 2013.
According to state government figures, since 1989 Indian Army and other security agencies have occupied 51,459 acres (205 Sq kms) of private land besides 340 sq km of government land in Jammu and Kashmir.Further the troops are in possession of 1572 buildings and 378 acres of private land in Kashmir Valley alone.
Sources in the state government say the Army is further demanding 4354 acres of land for building various facilities and structures including an aviation corps headquarters near Srinagar.
Defence spokesman here said the measure to hike rents will provide succour to the people "who would now get a realistic payment for their land."
For the Class-1 category of irrigated land, the rate per kanal (0.125 acre) per annum has been increased from Rs. 1125 to Rs. 3381 while for the ‘IrrigatedDouble Cropped' category the hike would be from Rs.1688 to Rs. 4087 per kanal per annum.
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Labels: Army, defence minister, headquarters, IrrigatedDouble Cropped, Jammu and Kashmir, pay hikes, rental rates of land, srinagar
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Supreme Court says no to self-defence groups
Supreme Court has said that constitution of such Defence Committees is abetting a crime if those having guns in their hands kill or indulge in committing excesses on other people. It has strongly said that the police and paramilitary forces should be deployed in adequate numbers to tackle the militants and not common people.
Questioning the anti-militant self defence movement started by the various governments across the country, Supreme Court has called for an independent assessment of the situation arising out of it. The observation has been made by the Supreme Court in a petition filed by Nandini Sundar, Ramachandra Guha and E.A.S. Sarma challenging the setting up of Salwa Judum (Self defence groups) by the government in Chhattisgarh.
Though, advocates of the Supreme Court pleading the case made no mention of Jammu and Kashmir but the observation is being seen as a landmark one and an eyeopener for the state government.
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Labels: ammu and Kashmigovernment, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, self-defence groups, Supreme Court, Village Defence Committees
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Willing youth be given safe passage: Mehbooba
In an hour-long meeting the two leaders resolved to press for the speedy implementation of the J&K-specific cross-LoC confidence building measures including facilitation of free movement of people and goods across the two sides through all the traditional routes.
They said the governments in New Delhi and Islamabad must, without any further wait, remove the impediments delaying trade through Srinagar Muzaffarabad road. "It is ironic that cement consignments from Pakistan are allowed to land in Kashmir all through Wagah border and not through Srinagar Muzaffarabad road," the two leaders observed. They said for the larger economic good of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the region, the leadership of the two countries must, with political courage, get all the obstacles, hampering cross LoC trade, resolved, sooner the better.
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Labels: Jammu and Kashmir, Muslim Conference patriarch, Muzaffarabad road, Peoples Democratic Party, Sardar Abdul Qayoom, srinagar, Wagah border
Monday, March 31, 2008
Jammu and Kashmir's longest bridge over Chenab to be thrown open in April
Located at a distance of 800 meters from the old Akhnoor Bridge on the right side of the Jammu-Reasi road, the bridge is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Defence Minister A.K.Antony. Although the authorities are tight-lipped over the dates for the inauguration, but it has been learnt reliably that the bridge would be thrown open to the public in the first week of April.
Authorities maintain that "possibility of an unscheduled visit of the Prime Minister and defense minister cannot be ruled out." It is important to mention here that the bridge has been completed after 29 long years at a cost of Rs 23 crores. Situated at a distance of 26 kilometers from Jammu city, BRO claims that the bridge provides the shortest land route from Jammu to border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
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Labels: Akhnoor Bridge, Chenab, Jammu and Kashmir, longest bridge, Manmohan Singh, Poonch, prime minister, Rajouri
Friday, March 28, 2008
Centre questionsnon-existence of Panchayats, polls
New Delhi has rejected the plea that there were extraneous circumstances because of which elections could not be held in the last two years. State had pleaded that panchayat elections cannot be held due to the hovering security threat over the lives of the people who would be participating in the elections.
Referring to this contention of the state government, union ministry has said that situation has improved and panchayat elections should not be delayed any further.Sources have said that central government has further directed the state government to "hold the panchayat elections within shortest possible time".
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Labels: Central government, Jammu and Kashmir, panchayat elections, Panchayati Raj institutions, rural areas
Monday, March 24, 2008
Jammu Jottings
Though there are still few days for the Spring season to end and Jammuites can enjoy pleasant mornings and evenings for few more days yet the student community is not deriving any pleasure from the Spring. How can they be happy when instead of taking a stroll in the evening hours and drenching oneself in the fragrance of fresh flowers all they have to do is study and prepare hard for the examinations.
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Labels: examination time, holi, Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu Jottings, spring season, summer, Udhampur
Friday, March 7, 2008
Jammu and Kashmir specific confidence building measures must speed up: Mufti
In his extensive deliberations with several central leaders including former Prime Ministers I K Gujral & V P Singh, External Affairs Minister Parnab Mukherjee and Home Minister Shivraj Patil, the PDP Patron reiterated that the fast-changing equations in and around Jammu & Kashmir offer the country's leadership a great opportunity to make India more at peace not only with its neighbors, but also with itself. "The emerging encouraging scenario offers a momentous opening for conceiving an exceptional grand strategy for the country and the region in Jammu & Kashmir," he said and added that the Indo-Pak peace process has provided a strong foundation to build upon and it could be further fortified by reconciling the past misgivings and leaving for future generations a different prosperous world.
The Mufti said the people of Jammu & Kashmir, who have suffered immense tragedies because of the Indo-Pak hostility, could greatly gain from the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries. "I visualize a space of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir in the paradigm of friendship and cooperative relationship between India and Pakistan," he said and added that the peace process has already created a notable impact as it has brought into focus the convergence of our interests rather than the hackneyed rivalries.
The PDP Patron stressed the need for accelerating the pace of implementing J&K specific confidence building measures that are in tune with the State's fast improving security situation.
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Labels: External Affairs Minister, Indo-Pak, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Peoples Democratic Party
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Hurriyat unity efforts strike a chord
For the last several years Hurriyat (M) only existed at a bigger level at Indo-Pak scenario but it was no way near to the common man at the ground level.
Subsequently, its leaders were more in touch with the leaders of Pakistan and India than their own people.
This was evident from the fact that the Hurriyat faction informally presented its road map for the solution of Kashmir issue to Pakistan president Gen Pervez Musharraf with the people in Jammu and Kashmir hardly knowing about it.
Even the government of India was communicated broader outline of the road map through back channels.
The road map while traveling internationally managed to reach very late finally to a section of people here.
Till very recently, the Hurriyat (M) leaders rather than visiting different parts of the state gave preference to their foreign visits. They would occasionally move outside Srinagar to make their symbolic presence. On the other hand JKLF, Hurriyat (G) and DFP of Shabir Ahmad Shah used to remain engaged with their programmes with public.
JKLF's signature campaign and Safar-e-Azadi reached even the border areas and attracted a lot of public attention. From the very beginning Shabir Shah tried to focus equally on Jammu and Ladakh regions also besides Kashmir. Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani despite his ill-health has been visiting different parts of Kashmir.
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Labels: Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
J&K seeks central package of Rs 140-cr
Official sources said that the package is intended at redressing the grievances of the militancy victims within shortest possible time. They added that the new proposal, abolishing the policy of providing government jobs to kin of militancy victims under SRO-43, has been submitted to the Centre.
Earlier, family of each militancy victim used to get Rs one lakh as compensation and a government job to one of the kin. Under this policy, 2,370 people have been appointed since 1994 till 2003; they said adding 3,800 applications under the old scheme are still pending with the authorities.
Sources informed that the new proposal envisages providing alternatives to the Next Of the Kins (NOKs) of deceased. They added that under the new policy, victims of the militancy which are presently covered under SRO-43 would be given option of either waiting for the government job or accepting a compensation of Rs.3 to 5 lakh.
Sources averred that the policy emphasizes to provide compensation or job to a direct dependent and immediate family member of the deceased having no other source of income.
They maintained that self employed kins of the deceased would not be considered for availing benefits under the new policy.
Official sources said that if employment cannot be provided to next of the kins (NOK's) of the deceased, the policy stresses for giving one time compensation of Rs. 3 lakh to the family of the deceased and thereafter, closing the case. The policy has sought to include victims of the Kargil war including persons rendered invalid due to cross firing and mine blasts.
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Labels: Jammu and Kashmir, NOKs
Monday, February 4, 2008
Pak shifts troops from key strike corps
To meet the worsened situation on its western borders which had escalated after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan has thinned out its troop strength against India, including across the Loc in Jammu and Kashmir, well-placed sources told UNI.
At least nine brigades of various Strike Corps, including two from the crucial I Corps's (also known as Army Reserve North) Kharian-based 17 Infantry Division, have been moved towards violent Afghan borders, sources said.
The Army Reserve North across the Line of Control (LOC), especially its troops at Kharian on the South of Jehlum and West of Chhamb sector of Jammu region, always had a strategically advantageous position against India.
Sources said three Brigades of Peshawar-based XI Corps and two of Quetta-based XII Corps were also moved to take on violence in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) on bordering Afghanistan.
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Image and Article source: Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue: 4 Feb 2008
Labels: jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, kashmir news
Monday, January 28, 2008
Mehbooba criticises Sinha for comparison on troop deployment
Reacting to the Republic Day message of the Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, Mehbooba said comparison of different territorial situations on troop deployment is not only surprising but out of place. She said while the views of the state Governor deserve to be respected, if expressed in confidence, their public expression was completely uncalled for, especially if references were made to situations prevailing in three different and independent countries.
PDP president said her party had taken up the matter of troop cut with the central government which was the ultimate decision-making authority and the Prime Minister had responded positively by putting in place a mechanism to address the issue. "Some small begin nings had in fact been made, though these are wholly inadequate," she said and added that the decision on troop cut,To read the complete article click here..
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Image and Article source: Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue: 28 Jan 2008
Labels: jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, kashmir news, prime minister
Thursday, January 24, 2008
They're acting like vampires: Beig
Beig, while robustly shielding them, maintained, "NC is not allowing the debate fearing it would expose it. The way, NC members are protesting is just like - call somebody a dog and kill him. This is the worst kind of gimmick any responsible opposition would indulge in. The fact is they have tasted the blood of one minister. Now they are baying for the blood of other two like a Vampire. They have got used to it. They've become blood thirsty as they get to drink the blood of innocent persons."
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Image and Article source: Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue: 24 Jan 2008
Labels: beig, Deputy Chief Minister, jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, kashmir news, vampires
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
UJC urges separatist leadership to unite
In an interview with Indian News Bureau (INB), a local news agency, Sallahud-Din said, " The unity move is definitely a very healthy step towards a unified and strong leadership. I always yearned for unity of all those who are fighting for the Kashmir cause in any manner. I would love to see Hurriyat under a single umbrella. I never supported division in Hurriyat. The contribution of Syed Ali Shah Geelani for the freedom movement cannot be neglected. He has the support of all the supporters of Jamat-i-Islami and he is a world renowned figure.
Similarly the roles of Asiya Andrabi, Yasin Malik, Masarat Alam and all the true sons of the soil are praise worthy. It would have been a welcome gesture if these leaders also join the unification process."
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Image and Article source: Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue: 22 Jan 2008
Labels: jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, kashmir news, srinagar, united jihad council
Monday, January 21, 2008
Another J&K RTI amendment bill on anvil
Official sources said that the amendment bill is being drafted by legal experts of the state law department and would be tabled before the house during the current session for discussion and passage. It has been reliably learnt that draft of the amendment bill is on the lines of the central Right to Information Act-2005.
Sources said that the amendment bill is being introduced on the directions of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad who had conveyed his desire of bringing the state RTI Act at par with the central act to the state law department. They added that after Chief Minister instructed the law department, a core group of legal experts from the law department was formed to prepare draft of the amendment bill for tabling before the house.
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Image and Article source: Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue: 21 Jan 2008
Labels: Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, kashmir news
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Stop girls dancing at govt functions: Beig
"Our religion and culture does not allow these things," he said, adding, "this practice must stop immediately."
Addressing a gathering during a cultural show organised by the Tourism Department here, he said girls must be restricted from dancing on stage in and outside Jammu and Kashmir.
The Deputy Chief Minister said we should take performing arts as an esthetic endeavor rather than a recreational one.
We should always encourage artists so that they give out their best performances, said Beig who was upset over a dance by a girl during the show.
He said the girl was dancing to the songs of noted Kashmiri Sufi poet Shams Fakir which is shocking and disappointing.
Quoting a historical incident which had evoked a strong resentment from the then ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaj Hari Singh when Maharaja of Patiala had passed a derogatory remark against an artist of the state, Beig said he (Maharaja of Patiala) was banned from entering the Valley..To read the complete article click here..
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Image and Article source: Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue: 27 Dec 2007
Labels: cheif minister, jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, kashmir news, kashmiri sufi
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Pak to cast shadow on timing of J and K polls - Jammu
No points for guessing that the fast changing developments in turbulent Pakistan have brought the timing of assembly elections in the state into sharp focus and have attached with it new connotations.
Reliable inputs suggest that at the central and the state level, the application of mind on this subject is already on in the corridors of power.
Although Congress is in command of things at both the places at present, yet the sharp contradiction in the perception of central and state leaderships on this account is well evident. Reason being, those, at the helm of affairs at the two places, are viewing this issue through different prisms. They have different set of priorities and different concerns to tackle.
The Centre appears to be in favour of advancing elections around April or May while state Congress leadership wants the assembly to complete its term and hold elec tions as per schedule.
Authoritative sources maintain that New Delhi is looking at the scenario from a wider perspective vis-à-vis its bilateral ties with capricious neighbour Pakistan. While the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, guided by his immediate concerns in the state, seems to be in no urgency to hold elections earlier than the schedule.
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Image and Article source: Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue: 18 Dec 2007
Labels: elections, jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, kashmir news, pakistan
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Unscientific approach, lack of irrigation lead to decline in saffron production - Srinagar
Lack of industrial back-up, coupled with shortage of rain, application of traditional and non-scientific methods of farming, has led to the decline in the production of famous Kashmiri saffron in the state, says agriculture expert. However, growers attribute it to the lackadaisical approach of the government and agricultural authorities.
"Like other crops, saffron requires irrigation to ensure bumper production," said agriculture scientist Dr F. A. Nehvi.
"If proper irrigation and scientific technology recommended by SKUAST (K) is applied in the cultivation saffron crop, its production can increase by more than 60 percent," he added.
Dr Nehvi, who has done a research on the revival of saffron crop in the state, said that the crop has received a jolt in production and quality since 2002 because of drought and shortage of rainfall. Besides natural factors, he holds farmers equally responsible for saffron's present status in valley.
"Our farmers still use the traditional and unscientific means of farming. No manure or fertilizer is used for enhancing saffron production, which otherwise is very necessary. Corm (the seed material) is replaced after 10 years or 15 years, which as per scientific norms should get replaced after not more than five years. And rain water is still believed the means of irrigation for saffron crop, which should not have been the case," added Dr Nehvi.
He further said that farmers should use the available technology, should apply manure and fertilizers, and irrigate the crop properly.
"The continuous use of corm for more than five years makes it susceptible to a deadly disease cormrot. Farmers should make use of fungicidal treatment, to kill the disease and should replace corm after every five years," said Dr Nehvi.
Couple of years back, Sheri Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences, Kashmir (SKUAST-K) under the guidance of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of India, floated a project "Mini Mission" for the integrated development of Saffron in Jammu and Kashmir. After proper survey and research, it has been concluded in the project that "irrigation should be a priority" for the revival of saffron crop, besides introduction of quality seeds and area expansion under scientific technology mission.
"We have implemented the recommendations of the project and are introducing shallow wells, irrigations pumps, sprinkler irrigation and mini tractors to the farmers under subsidy rates to empower farmers with proper scientific tools and know-how," said director agriculture Ghulam Hyder Bhat, adding that once these things are properly introduced in saffron fields by farmers, the saffron industry would be "revolutionized" in the state.
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Image and Article source: Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue:5 Dec, 2007
Labels: Dr.Nehvi, FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, kashmir news, kashmiri saffron
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Mufti: PDP has devised youth development policy for J and K - Jammu
Progression of youth leadership is a nation building exercise which People's Democratic Party (PDP) understands and it is in sync with this spirit, that we have devised a "Youth Development Policy", said former Chief Minister and patron of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Addressing a State level youth convention at Jammu today, PDP patron said that the policy focuses on education, employment and empowerment. Youth has to be brought on the forefront of change and innovation, and the PDP has taken a modest initiative in this direction," Sayeed declared after unveiling the policy document.
He stated that the youth are feeling neglected and that they are special because of the trials and tribulations they have undergone during the past two decades of turmoil in the state. He informed that the year 2008 has been declared as the year of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir and called for developing the state as a special education zone.
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Image and Article source: Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue: 4 Dec, 2007
Labels: jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, People's Democratic Party
Monday, December 3, 2007
12 buildings in Baramulla still occupied by forces
Defence spokesman, Col A K Mathur told Kashmir Times that they army has vacated all the school and hospital buildings that were under their occupation. "We have vacated 15 schools, seven hospitals and five Primary Health Centres (PHCs) by November 10 and as of now not a single school or hospital building is in our possession", he said.
Col Mathur said that before the directions from defence minister, the army had already started the process of vacating the school and hospital buildings. "The army personnel have totally been moved out from school and hospital buildings in Valley and the possession has been handed over to civil authorities", he said.
CRPF DIG (Operations) Srinagar, M P Nathanael agrees that some school buildings still continue under their occupation.
"CRPF personnel continue to occupy the NIT and a portion of Kashmir University. Our men are also putting up in PHE Ganderbal and once we get an alternate accommodation, we will move our men from these buildings also", he said.
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Image and article source: Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue: 3 Dec, 2007
Labels: A K Anthony, defence minister, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, kashmir news, Kashmir University, paramilitary soldiers
Friday, November 30, 2007
Kashmir's orphans and wounded psyche
BOTH the direct and indirect consequences of conflict on children or youth of the valley have taken a heavy toll on their academic excellence. Imagine the psyche of a student who gets questioned, frisked and undergoes scores of other sorts of harassments almost on a regular basis. Imagine a student's inclination towards his studies when he witnesses bomb blasts, cross-firing incidents, grenade attacks and land-mine explosions occurring around him; imagine his eagerness for his studies when his father, brother, sister or any other close relative gets beaten in front of him. Worse still; imagine his craving for studies when his father or brother gets killed in front of him or for that matter his sister or mother gets molested or raped in front of him.
"The most pronounced impact is psychological. In a society where children continue to witness, experience and hear of killings and atrocities, and are exposed to physical and emotional violence, they suffer from various psychosomatic and psychiatric ailments. In the Kashmir region, 57.38 per cent of the children have become fearful, 55.36 per cent suffer from depression, and 54.25 per cent cannot sleep", observes Balraj Puri, Director Institute of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs, in his study "Young Victims of Militancy" which appeared in Frontline July 30- August 12, 2005.
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Image and article source:Kashmir Times
Article taken from the issue:30 Nov,2007
Labels: children, emotional stress, jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, kashmir, kashmir news, orphans, phsycologist, physical voilence
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